Second paragraph of third chapter:

None of his classmates laughed. Or even smiled.

Particularly recommended for readers of ten and up (or advanced readers of eight and up), it’s a mystery story somewhat in the manner of Lemony Snicket but not as baroque; our protagonists, two misfit schoolkids, find themselves embroiled in a mystery involving an archive of smells and the legacy of two magician brothers. I gave the whole collection of five books to a young relative last year on a friend’s recommendation, and she enjoyed them enough that I felt I should give the first one a go myself. I’m not going to rush to read the rest, not having regular reading company of the appropriate age. You can get it here.

This was my top unread book acquired in 2017. Next on that list is The Ginger Man, by J.P. Donleavy.